Exporting and international trade
The Department for International Trade (DiT) works with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets by helping them to export their products and services overseas.
They have access to a large network of contacts, including staff in Embassies and Consulates around the globe in more than 100 international markets, so they are well positioned to research opportunities and help you to break into new markets.
DiT can support your business with the following services.
Department for International Trade (DiT) services
Trade advisors
Local businesses can book a free 30-minute video consultation with an International Trade Advisor.
You can contact our local DiT Advisor at:
- email: bailey@mobile.trade.gov.uk - Kerry Bailey
- telephone: 07867 154 333
- website: DIT Business Advice Service
Export Academy
The Export Academy provides free webinars, round table meetings and mentoring sessions to learn how to sell to customers around the world with confidence. If you complete the whole programme, you will graduate with a completed export action plan, enabling you to take your business direct to international customers.
- website: Export Academy
Open to Export
Open to Export is a free online information service for SMEs looking for support to grow internationally by exporting from the UK. Companies can work together and share information, advice and support about export market opportunities and means of entry. The information, answers, advice, and articles on Open to Export are all composed by the site's users, community and key contributors.
- website: About Open to Export
Exporting is GREAT
This service provides export market guides to help you find overseas opportunities. You can download market guides to support your research plans and sign up for business events near you.
- email: info@uktiem.co.uk
- telephone: 0345 052 400
- website: Exporting is GREAT - Markets
Get help to sell online worldwide
Let the DiT help you export your products to consumers around the world through online marketplaces.
- website: Find online Markets - DiT
Connect directly with international buyers
Let buyers find you by setting up a free business profile that highlights your business' projects and experiences, to give buyers insight into what you can do for them.
website: Create a business profile on great.gov.uk
The Internationalisation Fund
The Internationalisation fund is for SMEs who have a significant potential to grow international sales. Eligible projects will have a minimum project value of £2000 and maximum £18,000; up to 50% grant funding is available.
This fund can be used for:
- Market research
- IP advice
- Translation services
- International social media marketing
- Trade fairs and International market visits
- Consultancy support and other overseas commercialisation services.
- email: events@tradeEM.co.uk
- telephone: 0345 052 4001
- website: DIT Internationalisation Fund
Discover investment opportunities and learn how your business can expand in the US
The US is the UK’s largest export market for goods and services, and accounts for 20.4% of all exports from UK which is worth £140.9bn.
Ashfield District Council are working in partnership with Mentor City in Ohio, they have opportunities for local companies across a broad range of industries. They can help UK businesses ‘do business’ in the US, by connecting them with the right people such as lawyers, distributers, partners, manufacturers and identify investment opportunities and commercial sites, should you wish to expand your operations and establish a base over there.
So, if you’re serious about wanting to access new markets in the US, then the city of Mentor could be an excellent first step. Similarly, Mentor City have businesses looking to establish trade links over here, so this offers an excellent opportunity for Ashfield businesses to explore mutually beneficial relationships and trade with the US.
- email: malecek@cityofmentor.com - Kevin Malecek, Director
- website: Explore New Markets in USA - City of Mentor
Ways to contact business support
The best way to contact us is through our online form so we have the right information to help you as quickly as possible. Contact us by: